Here's my take: People who ask if something is "worth it tend to be very budget conscious and so spending what they consider extra money rarely find it "worth it" but for me, anything that saves me time or makes rhings easier when traveling is ALWAYS worth it. So, that is really the question you should ask. Will the added expense, whatever it may be, make it easier on you? In this case the answer is it will so if it were me I would do it in a heartbeat regardless of the cost.

I travel with my 80 year old mother every February. We go to the Caribbean. I get a wheelchair for her because she has an arithic back. She is taken VERY well cared for. They meet us at the plane, speed her through passport control, get her bags....I can't say enough how Caribbean people take care of the ederly. I'm am utterly impressed. This is without exception, everywhere we have gone. (which is all over the place)

I should clarify....I don't buy anything extra...just ask the airline to have a wheelchair ready when we arrive at the airport, when our flight arrives, etc. I would suggest you call the airline and have them put in this request...btw...they don't charge you a dime for wheelchair service.

Thanks, RoamsAround. The service is nearly half the price of an airline ticket to Turks, so unless it really shaves a lot of time off the check in and security lines, it doesn't do my MIL much good and isn't "worth it" to me.

Thanks, BellaClaire. SIGH. Wish we could do it this way! My MIL has already made it very clear that she will not use a wheelchair under any circumstances.

It shaves ALL your waiting time, and yu stay in a separate room with snacks and drinks, then they take you put to the plane from there.

But, they do offer wheelchair service.

You can actually decide once at the airport. If it chaos, go to the VIP rep. If looks okay, don't go.

Don't know what time of year you're going or what day of the week, can make a huge difference.

Thanks, blamona!

We are leaving midweek in early November. I purposely planned it that way because the weekend departure was so crazy last year.

Any thoughts on whether we are likely to hit long lines arriving on a Mon/Tues in November?

Lastly, my understanding is that the lounge only accepts 14 travelers, so I am afraid if I don't book ahead, we may not be able to get it. There are six of us traveling together and I know my MIL will take the service unaccompanied. GRRRR....

That should be, " will not take the service unaccompanied." Thanks

We were aft new years and could still sign up for it at airport.

Mid novemb you'll have airport to yourself, should be fine mid week